Environmental Concerns Regarding Electric Lift Truck Batteries
Electric forklifts are usually more stable and safer compared to diesel and gas powered lift trucks. Gasoline and diesel engines emit toxic exhaust and pose a risk of fire. However, electric forklifts can be hazardous, also. They have rechargeable batteries as their power source, and batteries could present risks to the natural world as well as to personal safety. There are hazards connected with the manufacture, use, storage and disposal of rechargeable batteries for forklifts.
Manufacturing
The lift truck battery consists of lead plates being placed in a sulfuric acid solution, that are referred to as lead-acid rechargeable batteries. Lead is toxic that, when used in manufacturing processes, poses hazards to water quality due to runoff and drainage. When lead enters a water system it could lead to various kinds of health issues to people and could even be fatal. The sulfuric acid used in lift truck batteries is really harmful to skin and can result in severe burns. Sulfuric acid also produces noxious fumes which can cause damage to human beings and the natural world.
Normal Storage and Use
When recharging, the lead-acid battery could produce hydrogen gas as a chemical byproduct. When recharging batteries for a lift truck or any other kinds of vehicle, sparks, smoking, heat and flames should be kept well away from the recharging site. The flammable hydrogen could result in an explosion if ignited by heat or flame.
If it touches the bare skin, sulfuric acid in the batteries can result in chemical burns. This is not an issue during normal use of the battery, but if a battery is damaged or punctured, the acid could leak or spray, potentially burning anyone who is nearby.
Disposal
Incorrect disposal of lead-acid batteries must always be avoided. These batteries must be recycled correctly or reused in new batteries so that the sulfuric acid could either be neutralized or recycled. To prevent the serious environmental consequences of improper disposal, all lead-acid batteries bought or sold in the U.S. include a "core charge" that would only be returned if the used battery is turned in.